A Brentwood resident, Yinpiao Zhou, was arrested at San Francisco International Airport on charges related to the unauthorized use of a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base. Zhou, 39, faces allegations of failing to register an aircraft and violating national defense airspace.
The arrest occurred as Zhou was preparing to board a flight bound for China. He is scheduled to appear in United States District Court in San Francisco following his detention.
According to a filed affidavit dated December 8, drone detection systems at Vandenberg Space Force Base identified a drone on November 30 that flew over the base for nearly an hour. The drone reached an altitude close to one mile above ground level and originated from Ocean Park, located adjacent to the base. Security personnel engaged with Zhou and another individual at Ocean Park and discovered the concealed drone in Zhou's jacket.
A federal search warrant allowed agents to examine Zhou's drone, revealing aerial photographs of Vandenberg Space Force Base. Additionally, a search of his cellphone indicated prior research on "Vandenberg Space Force Base Drone Rules" and discussions about modifying his drone for enhanced flight capabilities.
Zhou holds Chinese citizenship but is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. His recent return from China was in February 2024, while his companion entered the U.S. from China on November 26.
As stated in legal procedures, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, Zhou could face up to four years in federal prison.
The FBI is leading the investigation into this case. The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorney Kedar S. Bhatia from the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Trial Attorney Benjamin Koenigsfeld from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.